Yamazakura Kennan Syuhan 963 Smooth and Peaty
70cl / 46%
£199.00
- Malt type: Blended
- Region: Japan
- Chilfiltered: No
- Coloring: No
Tasting Notes
Citrus, Vanilla, Smoke
Orange Peels, Milk Chocolate
Medium Finish, Peat Smoke
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A Japanese blended whisky from the Yamazakura 963 range fusing approachable smoothness with lingering peat smoke.
At-a-Glance
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Distillery / Bottler / Country & Region | Yamazakura (brand of Sasanokawa Shuzo Co., Ltd.) – Japan. |
| Category | Blended Whisky (Japanese blend) |
| Age / Vintage / Bottled | Age statement not clearly listed in this variant; labelled “963 Smooth & Peaty” – part of the 963 range. |
| ABV & Size(s) | 46% ABV, 70 cl size – as per retailer listing. |
| Cask / Treatment | Not stated by the producer; casks and finish details unspecified. |
| Natural Colour | Statement shows “No” for colouration in one listing (i.e., no colouring). |
| Non-Chill-Filtered | Statement shows “No” for chill-filtering in one listing. |
| Cask Strength | No – standard bottling strength at 46%. |
| Bottle count / Outturn | Not stated by the producer. |
| Intended channel | Commercial release in UK/EU retail market (e.g., Glenbotal listing). |
| Packaging | Standard 70 cl bottle labelled Yamazakura Kennan Syuhan 963 Smooth & Peaty; no special decanter packaging noted. |
| Notes on discrepancies | Some related bottles in 963 range carry age statements (21 Years) or higher ABV (58%) – but for this “Smooth and Peaty” variant the age-statement is not listed, so direct comparison with older 963 editions should not be conflated. |
Historical Context
The Yamazakura brand is produced by Sasanokawa Shuzo, a Japanese spirits producer originally founded as a sake brewery in 1765. The “963” in the name refers to the postal code (exactly “963”) for the Sasanokawa Shuzo operation in Yamagata Prefecture (or associated region) and is used to identify the range. The “Kennan Syuhan” (which may be transliteration of “tiamo” or similar in Japanese) along with the descriptor “Smooth & Peaty” positions this expression as a more approachable peated-style Japanese blended whisky – unusual in the Japanese market where heavy peat is less common. Retailer notes: “a harmonious blend of fruity and spicy notes, enriched by a steadily building peat smoke.” This makes it noteworthy among Japanese blends for its peat character.
Technical Specification & Variant Map
2.1 Documented variants
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Yamazakura Kennan Syuhan 963 Smooth & Peaty – 70 cl, 46% ABV.
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Yamazakura 963 21 Year Old – 70 cl, 58% ABV, blended whisky of older age statement in same 963 range.
Variant Matrix
| ABV | Volume | Market | Era cues | Relative desirability |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 46% | 70 cl | UK/EU retail | “Smooth & Peaty” label, no age statement | Accessible Japanese peated blend, good value niche |
| 58% | 70 cl | Global premium market | “21 Year Old” variant within 963 range | Higher age, more premium, higher desirability |
2.2 Packaging & authenticity checklist
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Bottle should clearly read “Yamazakura Kennan Syuhan 963 Smooth & Peaty” and carry Japanese branding.
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Check that size is 70 cl and ABV 46%; variants with different ABV may be unrelated editions.
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For age-statement variants (21 Years) in the 963 range, packaging may differ (premium labelling, different code). Ensure you are dealing with the correct variant.
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Ensure provenance: Japanese whiskies have seen counterfeits; check seal, bottle shape, cork integrity, label printing quality.
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Look for original box if possible; retailer listings show standard retail release rather than limited edition, but box presence adds condition confidence.
2.3 Regulatory/terminology notes
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As a Japanese blended whisky, must meet Japanese whisky regulatory standards (e.g., matured in oak, etc).
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“No” natural colour and “No” chill-filtering as stated in one listing: these disclosures are positive signs of higher quality
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Not cask strength.
Liquid Profile (from verifiable notes)
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Nose: “Citrus fruits, vanilla and gentle smoky oak.”
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Palate: “Orange peels and milk chocolate, followed by persistent wafts of peat smoke.”
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Finish: Medium finish, peat smoke lingers.
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With water: Not explicitly described by producer; palate notes may open further with water.
Pricing & Market Dynamics (GBP)
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Original RRP (GBP): UK listing at £199 for 70 cl, 46%.
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Current UK retail range: ~£199 (as above) – subject to availability.
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Recent UK/EU auction range: No broad data publicly available for this variant.
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Pricing stratification: Younger non-age-statement blends such as this sit below age-statement versions in 963 range (21 Y). Higher age = higher value.
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FX note: Not required as listing in GBP.
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Liquidity & sourcing note: Japanese peated blends are less common than standard Japanese whisky; this variant occupies niche market. Availability may be limited; good condition bottle less likely to be discounted heavily.
Price Snapshot
| Channel | Date | Bottle spec | Price (GBP) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Retail | Undated | 70 cl, 46% | ~£199 | UK online listing |
| Retail | Undated | 70 cl, 46% | ~US$159.99 (~£125) | Listing in USD converted (source US store) |
Distillery/Bottler Snapshot
Sasanokawa Shuzo Co., Ltd is a long-established Japanese spirits producer founded in 1765. The Yamazakura brand carries their whisky production, including the 963 range. This “Smooth & Peaty” variant is part of that range and is notable for its peated character – not always common in Japanese blends. While less high-profile than single malt brands like Yamazaki or Hakushu, this bottle offers Japanese craftsmanship with a smoke dimension, expanding houses of interest in Japanese whisky.
Sourcing
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Target formats/eras to prefer: Sealed 70 cl, 46% version from UK retail listing or trusted specialist. Good provenance and correct labelling.
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Red flags to avoid: Bottles with unclear age or ABV different from 46% without confirmation; poor seal or missing box; unusual fill level or evidence of tampering.
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Condition thresholds (fill/box/labels): As this is contemporary variant (relative to vintage decanters), standard bottling condition is expected; still check for fill level, cap/foil integrity, label clarity.
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Margin/velocity expectations — qualitative: Potentially good margin if sourced at lower cost and sold to niche Japanese whisky/peat-fan market; however have realistic turnover expectations, as niche rather than mass-demand.
